Man Utd have been given a boost in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham as Borussia Dortmund have reportedly put their summer transfer business 'on ice'.
The Birmingham youngster is being courted by both clubs ahead of a proposed £30million switch at the end of the season.
United have gone to great lengths to persuade Bellingham on a move to Old Trafford, even showing him round the club's training facilities.
But despite their efforts, Dortmund were still considered favourites to land the 16-year-old.
However their sporting director Michael Zorc has now admitted the club face an uncertain period in the transfer market due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"This summer will be unpleasant," Zorc told German publication Kicker. "After all, we don’t know when to start playing again.
"There is a lot of uncertainty in all clubs. We first have to manage this crisis situation."
Dortmund are now unsure what their transfer strategy will be in the off-season, which gives United a slight advantage in the race for Bellingham.
United were beaten to the signing of Norwegian whizkid Erling Haaland by Dortmund in January, and the Red Devils are keen not to lose out to the Bundesliga outfit again.
Legendary United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to have met the youngster in a bid to further tempt him to the club when he was given a tour of their Carrington training HQ.
Both clubs are said to have held preliminary discussions with Bellingham and his representatives but Dortmund have offered the higher salary.
Several young players have flourished at Dortmund in recent seasons, namely Jadon Sancho, and Haaland has already hit the ground running.
Bellingham would likely earn more playing time over in Germany, which would do wonders for his development.
Bayern Munich are also interested, along with Chelsea, but Bellingham is thought to have his heart set on a switch to Dortmund, unless United can capitalise on their rivals' latest transfer stance.
